Watch out for your pets on hot days

Valdosta - On a sweltering day, its important to make sure your pets are safe from the heat.

Veterinarians say the best way to protect your pets is to give them plenty of water and keep that water in a shady, cool spot. If you don't have much shade in your yard, bring your pets inside.

Dr. Jeff Creamer sees many animals suffering from heat exhaustion this time of year and says pet owners should be on the look out for symptoms. "Many times the first thing people will notice is just an acute collapse, and their gums will be really dark red in color, many patients will have vomiting and diarrhea associated with that and its something that happens very quickly, medical attention immediately is important," said Creamer.

Dr. Creamer says the best time to walk your pet during the summer months is early in the morning or after the sun goes down at night.